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As the weather becomes colder our nutritional requirements, energy and mood may naturally change with the season. If you dread the winter months, the following tips may help you adapt and embrace the opportunities.

1. Eat SeasonallyAs the weather changes, just like our ancestors did, we alter change the way we eat. This not only reflects our bodies nutrient and energy requirements, but seasonal eating is also better for the environment as we can eat local produce. At this time of year this means consuming warming, grounding foods that fill us up and prevent cravings. Rather than going for refined carbs such as bread for comfort, swap light cold foods for grounding warm options such as roast root vegetables and warming herbs and spices. Don’t want to give up your daily green juices? Warm up your fresh summer drinks with ginger- this is an excellent winter remedy that improves circulation and can assist digestion.

2. Boost your moodSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression associated with winter. While this can be a serious issue for some, it is not uncommon to feel a little blue when the days are grey. This can impact not only our mood, but our energy, social lives and nutritional choices.

Luckily there are many natural remedies available that help address low mood in winter. You should always seek professional help if you have clinical depression, however if your mood and energy simply need a boost you have a lot of options.

There are many herbals that can be professionally prescribed and it is always a great choice to include a good quality B-multi. This can address mood, improve digestion and support your liver.

3. Keep MovingIf your exercise levels seem to drop off a bit in winter and you feel sluggish and uninspired, you are not alone. But cold weather is no excuse! It just means it’s time to change your routine around. If you enjoy outdoor exercise this may be little more challenging, but it can be helpful to try new options, and listen to what your body needs. This may be more gentle exercise and less intense cardio. In case you’re concerned, studies have shown regular, gentle exercise such as yoga, walking and pilates have benefits for weight loss or control, and for cardiovascular health, not to mention the amazing effect on mood and stress levels!

You may also try exercising at a different time, in accordance with your energy levels and the shorter days. See if you can find a friend to make you accountable despite the weather (and have an undercover/ indoor backup). My dog never minds if it is cold or rainy, so that leaves no excuse- rug up, grab or borrow a furry friend, and get out there and forget about the cold!

4. Keep hydrated and improve your circulationIn the cooler months it is natural not to feel as thirsty, but it is still essential to keep hydrated. If cold water isn’t appealing, now is the perfect time to introduce herbal teas, which can not only taste delicious but also provide medicinal benefits. Be sure to use the loose leaves not just teabags, unless you are just aiming for flavour. Herbal teas need to be strong to have a therapeutic action. You can boost circulation to cold hands with rosemary, which has a pleasant side effect of improving cognition, or circulation to your digestive system with ginger, which combines well with lemon as a gentle morning detox or immune support.

5. Boost your immunity!There are a number of natural supplements you can use to treat colds and flu, but just like any aspect of health- prevention is always better than cure. In the winter months ensure you are eating protein with every meal as this plays a role in immunity. If you don’t get much sunlight, ask your doctor about vitamin D testing, as supplementation may be required to boost immunity.

If you do feel a fever coming on, be aware that this is your body’s natural way of fighting pathogens. So instead of suppressing this, you might like to support your fever with the old naturopathic favourite, YEP tea. This herbal blend of yarrow, elder and peppermint, plus rest and home-made soup is a great path to recovery.

Written by Erika Wiseman. Erika is an experienced Naturopath who has recently joined the wellness team at Prana House. Erika can assist you with your winter health requirements and can be contacted at: erika.elixirtherapeutics@gmail.com. Her consulting hours have just changed to Monday mornings and Wednesday evenings.

With such a wealth of knowledge and experience behind her, Julie has a flawless understanding of what it means to practice yoga and where that practice can take you.

In the featured video, Julie explains where to begin if you’re new to yoga and are curious about the many different styles and where they can take you. We often hear friends say that they are hesitant to try yoga, especially when Instagram seems to be saturated with people standing on their heads and doing all kinds of strange movements! At Prana House, we offer students a safe and supportive environment to learn and ask questions as they begin to explore the many realms of yoga that we offer. From beginner courses to casual classes, Prana House goes those extra lengths to nurture our students and guide them every step of the way.

Click the Play button below to hear more, and visit our website to inquire.

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Founding Director of Prana House, Julie Gargano, explains the essence of Prana House Yoga and why our program is the best option for aspiring teachers who want to tap into their energy and reach their inner potential.

“What’s unique about Prana House Yoga Teacher Training and Amrit Yoga Teacher Training, is our attention to energy, and energy is a language. Not many of us are taught this language, but…why not?” asks Julie.

Pranaa Yoga is the culmination of Julie’s 20 plus years of dedicated, in-depth study & practice of yoga, meditation, energy-healing and self-inquiry. It strives to provide a seamless balance between dynamic, powerful and detailed posture work, and meditative awareness and energetic connection. This makes space for states of deeply absorbing inner stillness.

Pranaa Yoga is holistic in its approach to body movement, incorporating posture work that is slow and detailed, along with movement that is smooth, fluid, and dynamic. The underpinning component is the consciousness that meets each pose, regardless of the form practised. Movement becomes a meditative flow, anchored by breath, consciousness and energy. There is a purposeful focus, bringing ease and grace, breath and energy, form and formlessness, together. Each practice begins with opening meditation, chanting and connection, creating a clear intention for the many layers of the self to unfold throughout the practice.